Education

Research Description

Dr. Kim's research interests are in pavement design and rehabilitation, bituminous materials, pavement preservation, nondestructive evaluation of pavements, and performance modeling.

Honors and Awards

• Kimley-Horn Faculty Award, 1992
• Walter J. Emmons Best Paper Award by the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists , 1997
• The ALCOA Foundation Engineering Research Achievement Award , 1998
• Distinguished Research Fellowship by the Korean Science and Engineering Foundation , 2003
• Special Contribution Appreciation Award by the Korean Society of Pavement Engineers , 2004
• Walter J. Emmons Best Paper Award by the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists , 2006
• Walter J. Emmons Best Paper Award by the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists , 2009
• Elected Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers , 2011
• Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Professorship Award , 2012
• Distinguished Alumni Award, Civil Engineering Department, Seoul National University, Korea , 2014
• Alumni Association Outstanding Research Award , 2014
• The ALCOA Foundation Distinguished Engineering Research Award , 2015
• Elected Fellow of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, 2015
• Elected inaugural member of the Research Leadership Academy at NC State University , 2016
• Changjiang Scholar Award by the Ministry of Education, China, 2016
• The R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Award for Excellence in Teaching, Research, and Extension, 2018
• Alexander Quarles Holladay Medal for Excellence Award , 2019

Publications

A dissipated pseudo strain energy-based failure criterion for thermal cracking and its verification using thermal stress restrained specimen tests

Keshavarzi, B., & Kim, Y. R. (2020), CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS, 233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.117199

Asphalt pavement design optimisation: a case study using viscoelastic continuum damage theory

Bueno, L. D., Schuster, S. L., Specht, L. P., Pereira, D. da S., Nascimento, L. A. H., Kim, Y. R., & Brenner, M. G. B. (2020), INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAVEMENT ENGINEERING. https://doi.org/10.1080/10298436.2020.1788030

Development of a fatigue index parameter, S-app, for asphalt mixes using viscoelastic continuum damage theory

Wang, Y. D., Underwood, B. S., & Kim, Y. R. (2020), INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAVEMENT ENGINEERING. https://doi.org/10.1080/10298436.2020.1751844

Development of environmentally friendly flame retardant to achieve low flammability for asphalt binder used in tunnel pavements

Sheng, Y., Wu, Y., Yan, Y., Jia, H., Qiao, Y., Underwood, B. S., … Kim, Y. R. (2020), JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION, 257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120487

Effects of aging on asphalt mixture and pavement performance

Saleh, N. F., Keshavarzi, B., Rad, F. Y., Mocelin, D., Elwardany, M., Castorena, C., … Kim, Y. R. (2020), CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS, 258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.120309

Predictive Framework for Modeling Changes in Asphalt Mixture Moduli with Oxidative Aging

Saleh, N. F., Mocelin, D., Yousefi Rad, F., Castorena, C., Underwood, B. S., & Kim, Y. R. (2020), TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH RECORD. https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198120938775

Uncertainty Quantification of Simplified Viscoelastic Continuum Damage Fatigue Model using the Bayesian Inference-Based Markov Chain Monte Carlo Method

Ding, J., Wang, Y. D., Gulzar, S., Kim, Y. R., & Underwood, B. S. (2020), TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH RECORD. https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198120910149

Construction quality acceptance performance-related specifications for chip seals

Adams, J., Castorena, C., & Kim, Y. R. (2019), JOURNAL OF TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING-ENGLISH EDITION, 6(4), 337–348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtte.2019.05.003

Damage assessment of asphalt concrete with composite additives at the FAM–coarse aggregate interfacial zone

Niu, D., Chen, H., Richard Kim, Y., Sheng, Y., Geng, J., Guan, B., … Yang, Z. (2019), Construction and Building Materials, 198, 587–596. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CONBUILDMAT.2018.11.272

Development of a Performance-Volumetric Relationship for Asphalt Mixtures

Wang, Y. D., Ghanbari, A., Underwood, B. S., & Kim, Y. R. (2019), TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH RECORD, 2673(6), 416–430. https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198119845364

View all publications via NC State Libraries

Grants

Seasonal Effects due to Moisture Variation and Investigation of Cyclic Fatigue Temperature and End Failure on Pavement Performance

US Dept. of Transportation (DOT)(8/12/20 - 4/10/22)

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Seasonal Effects due to Moisture Variation and Investigation of Cyclic Fatigue Temperature and End Failure on Pavement Performance

Sponsor: US Dept. of Transportation (DOT)

Start Date: 8/12/20

End Date: 4/10/22

Abstract

In this research study, NCSU will conduct experiments and analysis to improve the AASHTO TP 133 protocol by incorporating more scientifically based temperature selection guide and providing guidance on the maximum air void content for specimens that are subjected to this standard test method. In addition, NCSU will update the FlexPAVETM software to incorporate seasonal effects into the base layer and the user guides for improved usability. This research supports ongoing FHWA efforts as part of a performance-related specification framework which seeks to increase pavement life through fundamental testing and predictive relationships. Recent developments in these performance tests, adoption of standards, FlexMATTM, FlexMIXTM, and FlexPAVETM provide highway agencies and asphalt paving community with a unique opportunity to use performance tests and mechanistic models for asphalt PEMD, asphalt pavement design, and performance related specifications to integrate these different phases in pavement construction using the same test methods and mechanistic principles. These tools help link material characteristics from testing with mechanistic models to predict performance; and ultimately identify how to best design, construct, and accept a pavement. NCSU will carry out the following tasks. Task 1 – Develop final research plans and project schedule – The proposed plan will be revised based on feedback from the FHWA. Task 2 – Kickoff meeting – NCSU will meet with the project panel to review the statement of work and work plans. Task 3 – Perform work plan and document efforts – NCSU will carry out the approved work plan by following the appropriate ASTM standard test methods to develop a rugged test method. Task 4 – Draft Final Revised FlexPAVETM Software, Installation, and User Guides – NCSU will update the user interface, installation guide, and user guide for the FlexPAVETM software. Task 5 –Presentation and webinar – NCSU will present their findings to targeted stakeholders. Task 6 – Publication ready final deliverables – the reports will be revised and finalized and AASHTO standards will be revised into a final form.

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Field Evaluation of Interlayer-Reinforced Asphalt Overlay Performance

NC Department of Transportation(1/01/21 - 12/31/22)

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Field Evaluation of Interlayer-Reinforced Asphalt Overlay Performance

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 1/01/21

End Date: 12/31/22

Abstract

This proposed research plan supports the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Division 5 Maintenance field study of geosynthetic pavement interlayer performance. It includes designing and orchestrating field experiments with NCDOT engineers, performing laboratory tests using samples obtained from field test sections, analyzing the test results to assess the performance of different interlayer products, and verifying/calibrating/refining the recommendations that are based on laboratory tests of different interlayer systems conducted in previous and ongoing NCDOT projects. The research plan is designed to use the test procedures employed in the ongoing NCDOT project, RP 2019-19 Development of Geosynthetic Pavement Interlayer Improvements, which focuses on the laboratory evaluation of various geosynthetic interlayer products, including their resistance to reflective cracking and debonding failure. The candidate roadway for this proposed field study is NC 96 in Youngsville, Franklin County between Jack Jones Road in Wake Forest and Oak Grove Church Road in Youngsville. Geosynthetic interlayers that are included in the RP 2019-19 project will be installed prior to construction of the asphalt overlay. These geosynthetic product types are HaTelit G50 paving composite interlayer by Heusker, Mirafi MPG100 paving composite interlayer by Tencate, Tensar GlasPave 50 geotextile paving mat interlayer, GlasGrid 8511 (25 mm) paving grid interlayer by Tensar, and Petromat 4598 paving fabric interlayer by Propex/Tencate. In addition, chip seal and FiberMat Type B interlayers will be included in the experimental design for the field study as well as a control section with no interlayer. The location of the project will be selected to avoid a significant grade and major intersections. Cracks in the existing pavement will be mapped before placement of the interlayers. The tack coat application rates will follow the geosynthetic manufacturers’ recommendations. The pavement conditions will be monitored by the North Carolina State University research team until the end of this proposed project and then by NCDOT personnel after this project is completed. Two 18-inch diameter cores will be taken from the center of the lane in each test section using the specially designed coring and sample extraction methods. Each core will produce two beam specimens and four 100-mm diameter cylindrical specimens. In addition, the asphalt mixtures, interlayer products, and tack coat materials used in the construction will be obtained from the field for the laboratory fabrication of performance test specimens. Shear strength tests and four-point bending notched beam fatigue tests will be conducted using both the field and laboratory-fabricated specimens to evaluate the debonding and reflective cracking mitigation potential of the different interlayer systems, respectively. The shear strength and reflective cracking performance of the specimens will be compared between the specimens obtained from the field cores and laboratory-fabricated specimens in the proposed study and the laboratory-fabricated specimens tested in the RP 2019-19 project. Pavement condition survey data and the performance test results will be used to verify/calibrate the results obtained from the NCDOT RP 2019-19 project. The experience gathered from the field construction of the geosynthetic interlayers will be used to develop construction guidelines for the different geosynthetic interlayer products. This research will also produce field-verified performance thresholds and project selection guidelines and long-term condition survey guidelines for interlayer-reinforced asphalt overlays. These products will be used to incorporate best practice techniques in the effort to make informed decisions when using interlayers as a maintenance application in the State of North Carolina.

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TFRS 01: Quality Assurance (QA) Aspects of Performance Related Specifications (PRS)

National Academy of Sciences(4/15/20 - 8/13/22)

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TFRS 01: Quality Assurance (QA) Aspects of Performance Related Specifications (PRS)

Sponsor: National Academy of Sciences

Start Date: 4/15/20

End Date: 8/13/22

Abstract

The objective of this research is to develop guidance to integrate the performance predictive capabilities of the PASSFlexTM software and its suite of tools (FlexPAVETM version 2.0, FlexMATTM, and FlexMIXTM) within a statistically sound QA system in a PRS framework. The research shall address: (a) the use of the cyclic fatigue Sapp and SSR allowable traffic for rutting (ATR) index test parameters, index thresholds, and acceptance limits in support of performance engineered mixture design (PEMD) approaches and to facilitate further implementation of the tests and performance predictions, (b) material selection and mixture design changes that can impact the test results (cyclic fatigue, SSR, and their index parameters) and trends associated with owner agency specified performance thresholds, and (c) the major elements of a QA system (per TRB E-Circular 235, Glossary of Transportation Construction Quality Assurance Terms (http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/circulars/ec235.pdf) and associated buyer/seller and payment risks.

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Ruggedness and Interlaboratory Studies for Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) Small Scale Dynamic Modulus

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)(3/11/20 - 8/23/22)

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Ruggedness and Interlaboratory Studies for Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) Small Scale Dynamic Modulus

Sponsor: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Start Date: 3/11/20

End Date: 8/23/22

Abstract

In this research study, NCSU will design, conduct, and provide recommendations relating to a two-phase ruggedness and interlaboratory study on a test method that has been identified as critical to asphalt pavement performance and design practice. AASHTO TP 132 (2019) Standard Method of Test for Determining the Dynamic Modulus for Asphalt Mixtures Using Small Specimens in the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) has been developed, refined, and recently published as an AASHTO provisional standard; a statistically sound refinement procedure is needed to facilitate widespread adoption and implementation. Not only can this standard be used to obtain inputs to the AASHTO PavementME pavement structural analysis software, the standard is being used in ongoing FHWA efforts as part of a performance-related specification framework which seeks to increase pavement life through fundamental testing and predictive relationships. AASHTO TP 132 is of interest because of its fundamental nature, determination via the AMPT standardized equipment, and its ability to model and predict material performance over a wide range of loading and climate conditions a pavement may experience; resulting in better performing, safe, quiet, durable, long lasting asphalt roadways. Additionally, a draft practice for preparing small-scale specimens has been developed and published as AASHTO PP 99 (2019) Standard Method of Practice for Preparation of Small Cylindrical Performance Test Specimens Using the Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC) and Field Cores. This draft practice is of significant interest to the asphalt materials community due to anticipated materials, time, and cost savings associated with preparing and evaluating smaller performance test. NCSU will carry out the following tasks. Task 1 – Develop final research plans and project schedule – The proposed plan will be revised based on feedback from the FHWA. Task 2 – Kickoff meeting – NCSU will meet with the project panel to review the statement of work and work plans. Task 3 – Perform work plan and document efforts – NCSU will carry out the approved work plan by following the appropriate ASTM standard test methods to develop a rugged test method. Task 4 – Ruggedness study presentations and webinar – NCSU will present the findings to targeted stakeholders. Task 5 – Publication ready final deliverables – the AASHTO standards will be revised into a final form. Task 6 – Revise work ILS work plan – NCSU will revise the original work plan from Task 1 based on findings from Tasks 3-5 for conducting the ILS study. Task 7 – Perform work plan and document efforts – NCSU will coordinate the ILS according to the approved work plan. This will include identifying participants, sending materials, and analyzing their results statistically. Task 8 – ILS study presentation and webinar – NCSU will present their findings to targeted stakeholders. Task 9 – Publication ready final deliverables – the AASHTO standards revised in Task 5 will be modified to include repeatability and reproducibility statements.

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TOPR for Performance Related Specifications Advances Quality Assurance for Pavements

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)(8/02/18 - 8/01/20)

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TOPR for Performance Related Specifications Advances Quality Assurance for Pavements

Sponsor: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Start Date: 8/02/18

End Date: 8/01/20

Abstract

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has fully supported Quality Assurance (QA) and advancing components of QA for many years. One of those components is Performance-Related Specifications (PRS). As the PRS efforts have advanced additional needs have been identified in order to complete an further advance the research further. This project will serve to further develop, improve, and validate the developed relationships for the PRS. A number of tasks will be completed in order to meet the following specific objectives: • Development of Level 1 Performance Engineered Mix Design (PEMD) method and threshold values for Level 2 PEMD index parameters • Performance testing for transfer functions to support PEMD for PRS • Comparison of Balance Mix Design (BMD) and PEMD testing for PRS • Advance in a collaborative approach for FLEXPave™ PRS models utilizing existing calibrations for AASHTOware Pavement ME™. • PRS training and shadow projects. • Coordination with existing PRS research for the development of a comprehensive written marketing plan. • Interim stakeholders PRS Status Meeting. • Under this task, the team shall create a system of tools including guidelines and sample specifications for agencies to transition from the traditional QA standard specifications to standard PRS.

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Development of Geosynthetic Pavement Interlayer Improvements

NC Department of Transportation(8/01/18 - 1/31/21)

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Development of Geosynthetic Pavement Interlayer Improvements

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/01/18

End Date: 1/31/21

Abstract

Although geosynthetics have been used in paving applications for well over fifty years, one area of critical need in North Carolina is the standardization of the materials themselves and their applications for actual pavements. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has been working with the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) to develop a Special Provision for an improved geosynthetic pavement interlayer material and a distress chart to provide useful data for product selection. The main goal of this effort is to ensure that NCDOT engineers can choose appropriate geosynthetic pavement interlayer products for a specific application based on performance data. As part of this effort, the GMA has recently developed five standard categories of geosynthetic materials for pavement applications. Although these categories provide the NCDOT with a good foundation to build the Special Provision and the distress chart, further research is needed to identify a list of properties and performance criteria that products must meet in order to perform adequately for their intended function.

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Ruggedness and Interlaboratory Studies for Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) Cylcic Fatigue test

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)(9/28/17 - 3/26/21)

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Ruggedness and Interlaboratory Studies for Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) Cylcic Fatigue test

Sponsor: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Start Date: 9/28/17

End Date: 3/26/21

Abstract

AASHTO TP 107 enables the practical, mechanistic performance characterization of asphalt concrete using cyclic fatigue testing in the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT). AASHTO TP 107 was initially developed for the use of 100-mm diameter specimens, which yield a single test specimen per gyratory sample. Recently, a modified version of AASHTO TP 107 was proposed for the testing of 38-mm diameter small specimens that improves the efficiency of specimen fabrication and enables the testing of field cores extracted from as-built pavement layers. The objective of the proposed research is to improve AASHTO TP 107 by conducting ruggedness and interlaboratory studies using both small and large specimens. The ruggedness evaluation will identify controllable experimental factors that significantly affect the test results and to establish limits for their control. The interlaboratory study will lead to precision statements that define the repeatability and reproducibility of small and large cyclic fatigue the test results.

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Development of a Tack Coat Quality Control Program for Mitigating Delamination in Asphalt Pavement Layers

NC Department of Transportation(8/01/17 - 6/30/20)

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Development of a Tack Coat Quality Control Program for Mitigating Delamination in Asphalt Pavement Layers

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/01/17

End Date: 6/30/20

Abstract

The importance of proper bonding at the asphalt concrete (AC) layer interface cannot be overemphasized when discussing the performance of AC pavements. A strong bond between the layers is critical to dissipate shear stress throughout the entire pavement structure. In contrast, insufficient bonding may cause slippage and debonding between the asphalt layers. To mitigate the debonding distress, the type, quantity, and quality of the tack coat materials that are applied between asphalt layers need to be addressed properly.

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Implementation of Shadow Performance-Related Specifications on an Asphalt Paving Project

NC Department of Transportation(11/01/16 - 12/31/19)

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Implementation of Shadow Performance-Related Specifications on an Asphalt Paving Project

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 11/01/16

End Date: 12/31/19

Abstract

This project will implement the performance-related specifications currently being developed by the PI from the FHWA project (557884) to a paving project in North Carolina. The PRS will be implemented as a shadow specification to evaluate the efficiency and feasibility of the testing program.

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Backcalculation of Dynamic Modulus from Falling Weight Deflectometer Data

NC Department of Transportation(8/01/16 - 6/15/20)

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Backcalculation of Dynamic Modulus from Falling Weight Deflectometer Data

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/01/16

End Date: 6/15/20

Abstract

The dynamic modulus (|E*|) is the main parameter that is used in modeling pavement responses in the Pavement ME Design program. Therefore, the rehabilitation design feature of the Pavement ME program requires the determination of the |E*| values of existing asphalt layers. The Pavement ME guide recommends three different approaches to determine the |E*| values of existing asphalt layers. The Level 1 and Level 2 approaches require the use of the Witczak’s predictive equation, which could result in up to 100 percent error. The Level 3 approach also has a high probability of yielding erroneous results because it is based on pavement condition survey data.

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